Empty shelves at Whole Foods? Employees dismayed by inventory

Whole Foods is using a new inventory system that could cut down on food waste, but employees are complaining that the new method is creating mass food shortages and a tense working environment.

The new inventory system, called order-to-shelf (OTS), has strict procedures for displaying and storing products on shelves and in back rooms of stores. To ensure compliance, the grocery retailer is using "scorecards" that rate things like proper recording of theft to accuracy of signage, employees told the Business Insider.

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Business Insider spoke with 27 current and former Whole Foods workers, who said many employees are “terrified” of losing their jobs under the new order-to-shelf system. If there is too much stock in storage, departments lose points on the OTS scorecard. Failing scores can result in the firings of employees.

The grocery chain didn't respond to requests for comment for Business Insider's investigation.

“We’ve lost team leaders, store team leaders, executive coordinators and even a regional vice president. Many of them have left because they consider OTS to be absurd. As an example, store team leaders are required to complete a 108-point checklist for OTS,” said an employee of a Georgia Whole Foods.

Whole Foods only has one location in the Dayton region, located at 1050 Miamisburg Centerville Road. It also has a location in Mason.

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